Annual Padawan Raft Safari 2016 ends on high note

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Dr Jerip (second right), flanked by Lo on his right and MPP deputy chairman Dato Ahmad Ibrahim (right), pose with a representative of Kelab Rekreasi Lingga – the winner of the Men’s Open category – during the prize presentation ceremony.

Dr Jerip (second right), flanked by Lo on his right and MPP deputy chairman Dato Ahmad Ibrahim (right), pose with a representative of Kelab Rekreasi Lingga – the winner of the Men’s Open category – during the prize presentation ceremony.

KUCHING: The annual Padawan Raft Safari 2016 concluded on a high note yesterday, with Kampung Sungan’s ‘Puncak Mutiara Tebedu’ coming out tops in the Expert category.

The team clocked four hours, 57 minutes to earn itself the RM3,000 prize money and championship trophy.

Saati/SUPP Kampung Biya Jaber clocked four hours, 59 minutes to finish at close second, while Lanting Sadong placed third with a time of five hours, 12 minutes.

Other categories contested were Men’s and Women’s Open, Tourism Agencies and Hotel, Government Agencies and Kayaking.

In Kayaking, Eco Adventure Team was crowned champion with the fastest time of four hours, 14 minutes, leaving behind succesive runners-up Perkesa B and Perkesa A.

Kelab Rekreasi Lingga excelled in Men’s Open, while Tebakang bagged the Women’s Open winning title. Bunan Gega health Clinic emerged the best among the teams competing in Government Agencies event, while in the Tourism Agencies and Hotel category, the top prize went to BHR 4 Sekawan.

Earlier, Assistant Minister for Public Health Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said the annual programme served to not only promote recreational activities, but also inculcate in participants and spectators the values in nature conservation.

“These water-based sports (rafting and kayaking) are not just games; they serve as means for both visitors and competitors to experience nature, especially the rivers here.

“Apart from that, it also create opportunities for members of the local community to boost their income throughout the event.

Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, who is also Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman, officiated at the closing ceremony in Kampung Git.

The raft safari, which entered its 11th edition this year, was run by MPP, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. It played host to a total of 138 competitors.